Wilton Park event convenes member states to tackle urbanisation challenges

Organised by Wilton Park, in collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO and members of the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative (of which the CAA was a founding member), this dialogue brought together a diverse group of Commonwealth stakeholders from across the Commonwealth, including representatives from national and municipal governments, urban planners, academics, NGOs, and a range of subject matter experts, to discuss shared challenges and explore potential solutions around sustainable urbanisation. During the course of this three-day residential  event, which took place from 31 March – 02 April 2025, the following were among the principal topics discussed:

Participants recognised that rapid urbanisation poses major challenges for Commonwealth cities. By 2050, nearly 50% of an additional 2.5 billion urban dwellers will be in the Commonwealth. Cities account for 70% of global emissions and 75% of energy use, making sustainable planning essential. Informal settlements struggle with climate impacts and service delivery. Many countries lack strong urban strategies and face shortages of planners, engineers, and architects. Secondary cities, despite limited resources, offer potential for innovation. Political barriers, weak governance, and inadequate data hinder progress. With 60% of the Commonwealth’s population under 30, future-focused urban development is crucial for resilience and sustainability.

Participants noted that effective urban planning must address the full rural-to-urban spectrum, not just large cities. Informal settlements and rapid urbanisation pose challenges due to funding gaps, limited expertise, and weak government collaboration. Urban expansion planning provides a cost-effective approach, securing land, roads, and public spaces proactively. Strengthening links between urban planning and revenue generation, such as land value capture, can fund infrastructure. Participatory planning, especially in Small Island Developing States, ensures local communities shape development. Greater cross-sectoral communication could improve urban efficiency and reduce construction-related emissions, supporting more sustainable and resilient cities for future generations.

Reliable and accessible data is critical for effective urban planning, yet it is often insufficient, poorly presented, or misaligned with policymaker priorities. Standardising data collection and creating a clear hierarchy would improve decision-making. Artificial Intelligence could help policymakers access relevant datasets, while engaging case studies could enhance understanding. Universities play a key role in data digitisation and applied research, helping to bridge gaps between academia, policymakers, and industry. More inclusive data collection, especially for Small Island Developing States and informal economies, would improve representation. Universities also facilitate stakeholder collaboration, supporting evidence-based policymaking and international coalitions for urban sustainability.

Financing sustainable urbanisation faces challenges such as limited local government capacity, poor governance, legal barriers, high interest rates, and low creditworthiness. To overcome these, countries can use sub-national funds like EFSD+ to mitigate default risks. Bipartisan, long-term commitments are crucial, while bundling multiple projects can attract investors and ensure strategic direction. Revenue generation through land value capture, sovereign wealth funds, asset management, and debt packaging can improve municipal creditworthiness. Local finance frameworks help cities select suitable financial instruments, and delivery units guide municipalities through funding mechanisms, from planning to implementation, strengthening urban sustainability efforts.

The members of the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative (CSCI) proposed forming a coalition to accelerate urban transformation across the Commonwealth. This coalition would be multi-level, multi-disciplinary, and multi-sectoral, engaging national and sub-national governments, experts, and industries.

The following were among a range of activities suggested:

• Knowledge-sharing on digital planning, large-scale datasets, and multi-level implementation.
• Research to address data gaps and translate policy into action, supported by the Association of Commonwealth Universities’ Expert Group.
• City-to-city partnerships or “twinning” to create synchronized urban development plans.
• Regional hubs tailored to cities with similar challenges, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Training and capacity-building for urban professionals, including technical assistance for municipalities.

The proposal received strong support, with the Commonwealth recognised for its unique convening power at ministerial levels. CSCI partners are now reflecting on the event’s outcomes to shape future initiatives, advancing the Declaration on Sustainable Urbanisation.